KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — United Way of Greater Knoxville announced Monday that Matt Ryerson, president and CEO, is stepping down from his position to "pursue other professional opportunities."
Ryerson was hired in December 2019 and served as CEO of United Way for five years. He was previously CEO and president of United Way of the Ocoee Region for 11 years.
“Matt served as a bridge, following Ben Landers’ 26 years of leadership in the CEO position, to where we are today," UWGK Board Chair Clarence Vaughn III said. "And now, we’re ready to move forward with the next chapter of this great organization with intention, innovation and dedication."
United Way's Chief Impact Officer Chrystal Armstrong Brown will serve as Interim CEO as of Nov. 11.
“Chrystal is a proven leader with a passion for community, vision for transformational innovation and commitment to measurable and meaningful impact," Vaughn said. "The board is thrilled to have her step into the Interim CEO position to provide stability and servant leadership throughout this transition.”
Armstong Brown has served as CIO of United Way since April 2023. She previously served as vice president of program development for Emerald Youth Foundation for nearly five years and was also the director of education for United Way of Southwest Virginia.
Additionally, she has 20 years of ministry and pastoral leadership experience through Overcoming Believers Church and Crossings Church, both in Knoxville, according to a release from United Way.
“The United Way is evolving, and we must continue to transform in order to make the most meaningful and enduring impact through our work,” Armstrong Brown said. “But, at the heart of everything we do, we continue to unite people and resources. It’s in our name; it’s in our DNA; it’s in our servant hearts. We are stronger together. And I thank the board of directors for entrusting me to help lead our team as we stand together with hope and determination for this next chapter for United Way of Greater Knoxville.”
The UWGK board of directors is working on the next steps to find and appoint the organization’s next CEO.